Over 8 lakh pilgrims pay obeisance at Shiv Khori in 2009

Reasi, December 31 - Indicating increasing popularity, sanctity and religious importance, 8.60 lakh pilgrims visited and paid obeisance during the calendar year 2009 at historic Shiv Khori Shrine cave situated in Sanger hills of Ransoo area in Pouni block of the Reasi district of Jammu province.

The number of pilgrims this year was over 3.39 lakh pilgrims more than last year’s number of 5. 21 pilgrims. This information was given by the Vice Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Mr. P.K.Pole, (who is also the Deputy Commissioner, Reasi) here today.

The influx of Yatries to the Shiv Khori Shrine Cave which was just 2.39 lakhs during the year 2004 has witnessed gradual increase over the years. As per the records, during the year 2005 3.7 lakhs pilgrims visited the shrine, while in the year 2006 the yatra touched 3.47 lakh. It went further to 4.54 lakh in the year 2007 and during 2008, the yatra crossed the five lakh mark , with 5. 21 lakh yatris.

During this calendar year 2009, the yatra to the Shiv Khori Shrine Cave touched highest ever mark of 8.60 lakhs, breaking all previous records. Heavy rush of pilgrims is being experienced at the shrine cave these days as on December 30 about 6500 devotees visited the cave shrine to pay obeisance.

Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board is making all out efforts to provide more and more infrastructural facilities to the visiting pilgrims. Numbers of developmental projects have been taken in hand, which include 5-multi storied waiting hall complex building near the cave shrine which is nearing completion. Besides development of Ransoo, which is the base camp of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Cave and its vicinities are also being developed with the development of parks and gardens, plantation of medicinal plants all along the way, shelter sheds with toilet facilities, adequate provision of drinking water and power supply, bus stand. A Tourism Reception Centre has already been constructed at Ransoo for the convenience of the visiting pilgrims

With adequate facilities being put in place, the Shiv Khori Shrine Cave is now emerging as the 2nd biggest pilgrimage destination in Jammu & Kashmir after Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine cave. The destination has many other religious and tourist places along Reasi Shiv Khori road which include Aghar Jitto, Nav Mata, Baba Danser, Dera Baba, Seiar Baba, Biddas Baba, Chenana Devita Salal, Kalka Mata and Mahadev temple Reasi and famous Ziarat at Jandi Morh and Simble Choa where heavy rush of pilgrims is always witnessed through out the year.

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